Ground Turkey Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Ground turkey gravy served over creamy, buttery mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that will warm you up on a chilly night. This simple yet delicious dish comes together in under an hour and is sure to become a new family favorite As a seasoned food blogger, I’m excited to share this easy recipe along with tips to take it to the next level

An Easy, Budget-Friendly Meal

One of the things I love most about this meal is how budget-friendly it is. Ground turkey is an affordable alternative to pricier meats like beef. A pound of ground turkey can be purchased for around $3-5, whereas the same amount of ground beef often costs $5-7

And since this recipe calls for basic pantry staples like milk, flour, and broth, you likely already have most of the ingredients on hand. Part of running a successful food blog is providing readers with easy, inexpensive options for weeknight dinners. This ground turkey gravy checks all the boxes.

Simple Yet Satisfying Flavors

While the ingredient list is short, the flavors are big. Browning the ground turkey adds a savory, meaty base. Sautéed aromatics like onion and garlic provide a subtle sweetness. Chicken or turkey broth lends a rich background note. And flour thickens the gravy to a luscious, velvety texture.

The gravy can be seasoned with classic flavors like salt, pepper, dried thyme, parsley, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Feel free to customize it to your tastes by adding a dash of cayenne pepper for heat or a spoonful of stone-ground mustard for tang.

The Best Accompaniment: Mashed Potatoes

Of course, the best base for this fabulous gravy is a heaping mound of mashed potatoes. Russets or Yukon golds both work well here. I like to boil and drain the potatoes, then return them to the hot pot to evaporate any excess moisture.

While hot, mash the potatoes along with butter, warm milk or cream, and salt and pepper. Fluffy mashed spuds are the ideal blank canvas for drizzling with savory, umami-packed ground turkey gravy.

Sweet Potato Variation

Here’s a fun way to shake up this classic meal. Substitute sweet potatoes for the regular russets or Yukon golds. Sweet potatoes lend a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the gravy.

Simply peel and cube 1-2 lbs of sweet potatoes. Boil until very tender, then mash with butter, milk, and seasoning just as you would regular mashed potatoes. Top with the savory ground turkey gravy for an amazing flavor contrast.

Quick & Easy Cleanup

Like any busy parent and food blogger, I’m always looking for meals that come together quickly and also tidy up fast. This ground turkey gravy recipe only dirties a few pans – one for the potatoes, one for the gravy, and one for reheating leftovers.

The gravy mixture can go straight from the stovetop to the table in the same skillet. And since there’s no breading or frying involved, cleanup is minimal. Even finicky eaters will gobble up this turkey gravy, leaving you with happy bellies all around.

Handy Leftovers

Part of why I love this recipe so much is that it provides at least 2 meals for my family. We never manage to finish all the gravy in one sitting. I simply transfer the extra to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Then it’s ready to reheat and enjoy over rice, noodles, or more mashed potatoes later in the week. The gravy keeps well for 2-3 days and also freezes beautifully for longer storage. Having ready-made leftovers makes my workdays so much easier.

Quick Cooking Tips

As a seasoned home cook, I’ve picked up some tips for easily whipping up this comforting ground turkey gravy:

• Cook the potatoes first since they take the longest. Get them boiling, then start the gravy.

• Let the cooked ground turkey cool slightly before adding the flour. This prevents clumping.

• For a thinner gravy, add extra broth. For thicker, increase the flour.

• Stir the gravy frequently as it simmers to prevent scorching on the bottom.

• Season conservatively at first. You can always add more salt and pepper.

• For added flavor, use turkey or chicken broth instead of water.

Something for Everyone

Part of providing readers with awesome recipes is ensuring they will appeal to a wide range of tastes and diets. This versatile gravy can be customized to suit preferences:

• Use vegetable broth and olive oil for a vegan/vegetarian version.

• Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

• Use lactose-free milk or skip it altogether.

• Boost protein with lentils or beans instead of ground turkey.

• Make it kid-friendly by serving over tater tots or fries.

• Garnish with fresh herbs, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheese.

Satisfying All Your Cravings

There are so many reasons I’m excited to share this simple yet amazing recipe for ground turkey gravy and mashed potatoes. It’s budget-friendly, comes together quickly, and leftovers freeze beautifully. The flavor pairing is delicious yet comforting. It works for a variety of diets and can be customized. And it delivers on all your cravings – something savory, creamy, hearty and homey.